Students at Calabasas High School now have a new way to express themselves. A brand new photography class, launched this year, has been added to the school’s curriculum, giving students the opportunity to explore the artistic and technological sides of photography.
This new class is taught by Mikayla Thiesen, who is passionate about helping students discover their personal photography styles.
“Photography is a great way to capture memories and to learn more about visual art,” Thiesen said. “It helps students figure out their personal style, what they like, and helps them express their ideas.”
In addition to learning how to take photos, students will learn the history of photography and art history. Thiesen explained that the class will explore photographs’ roles in different subjects and different time periods. Students will study influential photographers and examine how photography has evolved over time, and connect historical techniques to modern-day projects.
“It’s very multidisciplinary. I’m incorporating art history through the curriculum. We learn about modern photographers, photographers that were great in history, and contextual information about students,” said Thiesen.
This course will also include hands-on experiences in order to build confidence and creativity. Students will participate in projects, critiques, and will even be able to show their work outside of class at exhibitions.
Beyond exploring students’ creativity, the class will teach essential technical skills.
“Students will learn how to use different types of cameras, how to use editing software like Pixlr, and work with lighting,” Thiesen said. “We’re also exploring different styles of photography such as portraits, landscapes, and experimental approaches.”
Thiesen is undoubtedly passionate about photography; this passion comes from her background as an interdisciplinary artist and a former graphic designer. She is also inspired by well-known photographers across different genres.
“I’m very inspired by landscape photography, I love Ansel Adams, and I love fashion photographers like Tyler Mitchell,” Thiesen said.
CHS Senior Giorgia Orlandi, who is currently enrolled in the photography program, decided to join to nurture her love and passion for photography.
“I’ve always loved taking pictures, but I never really understood the technique behind it,” Orlandi said. “This class has already helped me learn how to use a camera properly and think more creatively about my shots. Everyone is super supportive and it’s really cool to see how each student has their own style, and we all learn from each other.”
More than anything, Thiesen hopes her students will leave her classroom with a new way of seeing the world.
“I hope they become more aware of their surroundings, and they start to look at the world differently,” Thiesen said. “I also plan to encourage students to see the world with different eyes.”
Reader Revision: Carla Cramer is a student in Mrs. Thiesen’s photography class.
